"American Conspiracy" vs. "Sick Individual": Khamenei and Trump in Heated Exchange

Both Sides Trade Public Accusations Over Protest Casualties
International Human Rights Groups: "Death Toll Reaches 3,000"

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei have engaged in a heated public exchange over the ongoing protests in Iran. After Khamenei blamed the United States and President Trump for the casualties among protesters, President Trump responded by directly criticizing Khamenei's 37-year rule and even raised the possibility of regime change.

According to foreign media reports on the 17th (local time), Supreme Leader Khamenei, in a speech, stated that "thousands have died" in the recent wave of anti-government protests, placing responsibility for the human and material losses on the United States. He said, "We find the President of the United States guilty of the casualties and damages from the protests, as well as slandering the Iranian nation," and claimed, "This is an American conspiracy aimed at bringing Iran back under military, political, and economic domination." He also pointed to Israel as being behind the unrest.

President Donald Trump of the United States (left) and Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Trump immediately fired back at the Iranian leader's remarks. In an interview with the political media outlet Politico on the same day, he said, "It is time for new leadership in Iran," directly targeting Khamenei's regime. He criticized the Iranian leadership for maintaining control through violence and repression, stating, "He (Khamenei) has destroyed the country and used a level of violence never seen before."

President Trump also described Khamenei as a "sick individual." He emphasized, "You cannot kill thousands of people to maintain control," adding, "Leadership comes from respect, not from fear or death." These remarks came immediately after Khamenei had blamed President Trump for the casualties among protesters, effectively raising the issue of 'regime change' in Iran.

When asked about the possibility of U.S. military operations in Iran, Trump replied, "His best decision was not to execute 800 people two days ago." Previously, he had suggested the possibility of a military response, claiming that Iran was preparing to execute protesters, but later asserted that Iran had canceled the executions, temporarily easing his rhetoric.

Anti-government protests have continued in Iran since the end of last month. As the authorities maintain a hardline crackdown, international human rights organizations estimate the death toll to have reached 3,000. Khamenei has labeled the protesters as "agitators" and warned of harsh punishment. In contrast, President Trump is pressuring the Iranian leadership by mentioning possible responses, including military options.